Bye Bye Trail Mix and Fruit..kind of

HALF WAY!!  I've made it half way through my Whole30..14 days of unprocessed, no sugar gloriousness (yes, that's a word..at least in my dictionary).  I can't believe I've made it this far!  I feel amazing.  I haven't had this much energy since I was a kid!  Plus, I just feel better and feel like I'm moving, thinking, and just living in general in less of a "fog."

Now, I'm on the home stretch into week 3!  I want to keep challenging myself though, so I'm going to cut back my trail mix and my fruit intake.  I think I've started to rely a little too much on trail mix and fruit to get over my sugar/fake sugar addiction.  Honestly, I could sit down and eat an entire bag of trail mix (the brand that's from Lincoln, NE without peanuts or other types of soy nuts and no sugars).  I also realized that my fruit intake is lower than it was in the past, but I know I could still do better.  My new goal is to only buy trail mix every other week and to only eat berries as my fruit.  I'm also going to challenge myself to one serving of fruit a day.  I'll have a cup of berries with breakfast!

The timeline is still SPOT ON!  Here's what it said for week 2 "Hurray! The slump is over! Your energy levels are better than normal – you’re downright Tigger the bouncing tiger!  But something weird is happening.  You’re dreaming. Not crazy nightmare or strange surrealist dreams, either. Incredibly normal and realistic dreams – about donuts. Or Twinkies. Or Snickers.* In your mind, sometimes you get caught and feel guilty. Sometimes you just brazenly eat the contraband. But then, the feelings start following you into the waking hours. Suddenly, you’re craving things you don’t even like. (For me, it’s Diet Coke and Twinkies, for Melissa Hartwig, it was fast-food cheeseburgers!) Your co-workers; heads transform into giant Girl Scout Cookies as you gaze on in disbelief. Seriously, you’ve almost hit the halfway mark, and now this?!

All joking aside, though, this phase gets really intense and for some people. This is the part of the program where our minds try to drive us back to the comfort of the foods we used to know. Our food relationships are deeply rooted and strongly reinforced throughout the course of our lives and breaking through them is really big deal. Journaling can be especially enlightening and helpful during this phase, and helpful for reflection later. Take some time to jot down what you’re craving, how you’re feeling and what tools you’re using to work through the cravings." (Whole 9) 

It was so true because during that time (this weekend especially) I went to a wedding reception.  Before the wedding party arrived there was popcorn, candy, and all sorts of sweets to indulge in.  There was also an open bar and I'm not a big drinker, but for some reason a big, tall cold beer sounded amazing.  The dinner was a BBQ/Buffet style.  There was salad (with all sorts of toppings), potato salad, beans, bread galore, shredded pork, and BBQ sauce.  Let's not forget the cupcakes and cakes after dinner!  I was so proud of myself though because I stayed away from ALL OF IT!  I had some salad (without toppings and dressing) and a good portion of the shredded pork without BBQ sauce.  Did I miss the beginning snacks or the decadent desserts?  Maybe a little, but man it felt great to leave knowing I hadn't let my cravings or eyes takeover what I ate!  

I've also gotten into cooking (I know, weird).  I've cooked chicken in my crockpot, sauteed vegetables, baked vegetables, combined vegetables, and eaten them raw!!  I feel pretty awesome since my idea of cooking was the microwave!

Here's to week 3!!!  

Whole30 Week 2

I've made it 11 days so far!!  The timeline I attached to my previous post on my Whole30 Challenge: Wholly What Challenge??, is pretty much spot on!!  I felt the withdrawal symptoms during the first week.  Literally, if you did not have coffee in your hand and weren't giving it to me; I wanted to punch you in the FACE!  I can't believe how addicted to sugars and processed foods I am.  Then, after I made it through that hot mess; I was EXHAUSTED!  I'm not sure if that was from the change or if it was from not getting sleep during the 36 hours of Ragnar (either way it was TOTALLY worth it).  I slept 12 hours on Sunday night.  Yesterday, I finally made it past the exhaustion and now I feel like an energizer bunny!

I got SO much done yesterday including a schedule for my semester.  I scheduled in my work schedule, school/studying schedule, and workout schedule.  I even made sure to write-in "going out" time and nap time!

I did CrossFit in the morning, biked to and from class, and took a Pilates Reformer class.  I've been teaching it recently, but haven't taken it and it was an amazing feeling to remember why I love it so much and why I love teaching it.  Today I biked to and from class, did CrossFit, and plan to bike to and from class again!  Usually in the morning I never WANT to workout, but I pull my a$$ out of bed and do it and about 5 minutes into it I NEVER regret going.  

I'm not only gaining more energy, but I feel SOO much better.  I feel "clean", my face has started clearing up, and my running has improved.  I usually have TERRIBLE intestinal/bowel issues when I run over 5 miles and during Ragnar two of my three runs were over 5.  I was very nervous going in because there were no porto-johns on the course, but to my surprise I didn't have ANY issues.  My stomach never hurt and never had to rush to the nearest bush or anything that resembled a bathroom.  After 4 years of having these issues while training for endurance events it feels great to finally feel "normal" and not worry about using the bathroom during a run.  

Also, this challenge has made me get creative with food and I actually enjoy making up recipes or tweeking recipes I find, especially on Pinterest, to make them Whole30 approved.  Here are some recipes/ dishes I have done so far (I know I need more pictures)...

squash, cucumber, peppers, small amount of sweet potatoes and chicken

Sweet Potato Skillet and Kale on the side

I'm also in the process of making squash chips (the timer actually just dinged).  In my slow cooker is chicken cooking in tomatoes, cilantro, and hot peppers.  I'll make sure to take pictures of these!  I discovered an AMAZING app on the IPhone called, myKitchen.  It's a database of paleo recipes for everything from meat to desserts!!  I haven't made anything from it yet, but I plan to make "Paleo Tacos" this week!  Another great resource has been Pinterest.  I have searched for paleo recipes, Whole30 recipes, and then just found other delicious recipes that I plan to make paleo by exchanging ingredients or just taking out ingredients. I'll be sure to post these as well!

I recently found at the grocery store homemade trail mix.  It's made by a farm somewhere in Lincoln, NE!!  It has no sugars (other than what's in the fruit naturally) and no salts.  It has raisins, bananas, apricots, pineapple, dates, walnuts, almonds, and coconut shavings.  This definitely helped me during the first week when I was having those awful withdrawals.  The coconut shavings helped SOO much.  Just gnawing on a few of those when I got a craving and they were gone within seconds.  

Num Num..I'd eat this screen if I could!

I'm really enjoying this experience and finally getting why putting natural food (meat, nuts, eggs, vegetables, and fruit) is the only way to go!  Almost two weeks down and two more to go :)

Well, I'm going to get back to my documentary, "The Loving Story" about a couple that is a "mixed" couple and were arrested for being married!!  Another reason as to why I'm so glad I grew up in this age.  I can't believe people really thought "mixing" was bad for the races (boggles my mind)?!?  

Left a Woman Came Back a Ragnarian!

I did it!! I was a part of a 12-person, 2-day, 200 mile relay race through Minnesota.  There was definitely SOO many emotions involved- nervous, excitement, scared, happy, proud, exhaustion...my list could go on and on.

What does it mean to be a Ragnarian??  Well, get ready to get PERSONAL with your van members!!  You start out with 2 vans per team, 6 people in each van, and hopefully a designated driver as well.  Each person has a leg that they chose (or were given) months (or in my case, days) beforehand.  Each leg contains 3 runs.  One team member runs while their van leap frogs them every few miles (or whatever they decide on) until they finish their run and pass the bracelet onto the next team member.  You do this until you finish 200 miles!! The catch is: there's no hotel stays, no showers, and no stopping when the sun sets.  Yep, that's right NO showers and you run through the night.  The night run was actually my favorite and by the end of it all everyone smells so bad (including myself) that you don't even notice (or maybe I was so exhausted to care anymore).

I was pulled in last minute (literally 4 days before leaving) by my sister-in-law and I am SO glad I decided to go.  I met some AMAZING people and made some great friendships.  It's so much fun because everyone lets loose (quickly) and you get to know your van members QUICKLY!  I have memories and nicknames from this one race that will last a lifetime, like "the hobbit" "the little engine that could" and "sleepy mcsleepster."  Clearly, that last one was made sometime in the wee hours of the morning.

I know that was a really quick explanation, but I think you get the gist.  If you want one amazing, unforgettable weekend with friends or complete strangers, to test your fitness, and push your mind and body past your limits...GO DO RAGNAR!! They're all over- Minnesota, Key West, California, Colorado, and Cape Cod (to name a few).  Here's some more pictures of the awesomeness!!

I ran up that hill!

What we found the first night..awkward

Our van decorated..and we got tagged by another team

After my first run

The sweet medals (doubles as a beer opener)

Awaiting our final leg!

Right before my 2nd run in the middle of the night..note the glow sticks

Uncle Rico's van from Napolean Dynamite was at Ragnar GR!

Put your excuses away and BE SMART!

This is for all my runners, walkers, and bikers out there.  I was pondering while running, which rarely happens, that people don't think when they are exercising outside.  We trust other's WAY too much.  When I see people by themselves they're at night or with headphones stuck in their ears.  Here's my tips I've learned (the hard way) to be safe while running.

1. TURN OFF THE MUSIC!  Yes, I know people say their only motivation to get out the door is turning on their MP3 player or other music device.  Well guess what...get used to being bored or find another way to get you motivated (the fresh air, the endorphins, or fitting into your skinny jeans).  If you're on a trail did you know that some bikers can get up to 50mph??  If your headphones are in how can you get out of their way in time??  There's been DEATHS in my town and in others because runners fail to hear the cyclists warning, "ON YOUR LEFT."  You need to be aware of your surroundings!  No, it's not okay to wear one headphone...get rid of the music PERIOD!  It's not hard to run or bike with no music.  Like I said in my previous post..fighting cancer is hard, losing a child is hard...no music IS.NOT.HARD!

2. BRING YOUR PHONE.  If anything happens and you're not near somewhere you can borrow a phone..you're screwed (sorry, no other way to put it).  I've learned this the VERY HARD way.  There has been SOO many times that I have gone out when it is too hot and run.  I've gotten too far away from home or my car and I've been stuck.  I'm dehydrated with no access to water or a car.  There's been a couple times I've had people pull over their cars and ask if I need a ride home..that's how bad I looked.  I've also been running when it's too icy.  Most normal people avoid the icy trails and sidewalks, but not me.  I've fallen, luckily on my backside, too many times to count, but what would you do if you fell on your elbow and didn't have a phone to call someone?  I know it's annoying to carry around a phone, but you'll regret it the day you don't and you need it..I've been there and IT BLOWS.

3. LISTEN!  Like I said be aware of your surroundings.  Not only your physical, but also to what you can hear.  After 4 years of training for endurance events, I've gotten pretty decent at listening to everything that's around me.  People call me jumpy, but at least I can hear the bunny or leaf jump behind me.  I specifically listen for cars that are moving extra slow, bike tires, and footsteps.

4. LET SOMEONE KNOW.  Tell someone you live with or text/call someone that you're heading out by yourself and about how long you think you'll be.  That way when you haven't told them you're back within that time limit; they can get help sooner.  Even better, find a running partner.  Running with people is the best thing you can do for yourself.  They'll push you harder, they'll motivate you, and you'll probably have A LOT more fun.  Oh..and you'll be safer!!  But I know that not everyone likes to do this (me included), so at least tell people you're leaving!!!

5. CARRY MACE.  Don't be stupid, protect yourself!  I have no preconceptions...I am a female, 5'0", 120#..I'm a worm in a fish tank!  Yes, when instincts kick-in and I'm in danger, I'll do things I never thought possible, but I'm still going to protect myself.  I always carry mace with me when I run, no matter the time I run at.  You can get fairly cheap and discreet looking spray from any running or athletic store.

6. DAYLIGHT AND TRAFFIC.  Run during daylight as much as possible..it's just safer to run when people can see you.  Also, once you find a route or trail figure out when the busy times are.  Do your exercise during those times.  Yes, it may be annoying and get congested, but personally I'd rather be safe than have all the space I want.

7. ROUTES.  Last, but not least find multiple routes you can use and use a different one each time you run.  Circulate your routes.  Not only will you not get as bored as quickly, but then other drivers or people won't get to know your routine..which yes is a bad thing!

Now I'm not trying to scare you into exercising indoors (hell, I HATE treadmills).  I just want you to be safe.  I don't want you to be naive, but don't get paranoid.  Just because someone honk or yells obscene comments to you; does NOT mean they're going to do anything to you.  Be honest with yourself..if something looks sketchy, avoid it!  I hope you learn something about being safe or it pressures you to do the safety tips you've known you need to do.

Wholly What Challenge?!?

Strict Paleo for 30 days!  Yep, you read that right...I've dumped my processed foods, my dairy, and I've locked up the alcohol and sweets.

One of the ladies that works out at my CrossFit gym, who is pretty much the most beastly person I have ever met, sent me some awesome documents to help me on my own Whole30 Challenge.  In a nutshell here's what eating "Paleo" means:  eat what humans used to eat before we started processing and making it in bulk.  My meals have consisted of: eggs, green veggies, turkey, lean beef, chicken, some fruit, and nuts (NO peanuts, unsalted).  I know it sounds bland, but I'm going to do it.  I'm not doing it for the weight loss or fat loss.  I'm doing it because I know that I have become WAY too attached to sugar and grains.  Even those pesky sugar alcohols and "fake" sugars are off limits!!  Approved drinks are: black coffee, unsweetened tea, and water..lots and lots of water!

Here's some simple charts that explain the nuts and bolts of Paleo:

I've told just a few people I'm doing this and their response has been (mostly because they've never done it or heard of it), "That sounds too hard."  "That's a lot of dedication."  That's when I started to re-think this decision before I started, but I did anyway.  Then today I got a real nice reality check.  I was looking up on the internet tips to getting through the Whole30 with sanity left and similar topics.  That's when I ran across what the woman, Melissa Hartwig, who started this program said, (just a summary) "It's not hard..Fighting cancer is hard, losing a child is hard."  I then thought WOW she's so right.  This isn't hard.  It's 30 days, that's it!  This isn't even that much dedication.  Dedication is training for 4 years for a 15 second race that you don't even know if you'll win!  

I'm on Day 2 and so far so good.  I found this great article written by Whole30 Challenge: The Whole30 Timeline.  It's spot on these last two days- Day 1 I felt amazing and thought, "Wow this will be great.  I feel awesome, hello walk in the park!"  Day 2- REALITY CHECK!  The author wrote, "the suck is proportionate to the amount of crap you put in your body before the program."  It's so true, I ate pretty healthy, but I did eat a lot of things (including endless amounts of gum) that had sugar alcohols and other fake sugars.  I woke up this morning for spin class and WOW!  I somehow put a smile on my face and was energetic during class, but the minute I stopped the music I wanted nothing to do with human interaction.  The only motivation I had was food and COFFEE!!  Coffee has literally saved my life people's lives...by me not wanting to KILL them.  Today I wanted nothing to do with conversation until I had coffee and once that one wore off I needed another one.  I'm not too worried though because the timeline said that after a while this phase will fade away.  I also noticed that WATER (imagine that) helps SOO much with my energy levels.  When I start getting exhausted I just guzzle down a glass of water and I'm good to go.  

To help curb a little of the sweet tooth I have half a handful of dried fruit (organic, natural AKA no sugars or salts) or a spoonful of this amazing organic almond butter I found..all it is is crushed almonds- NOTHING ELSE.  I think I may have died and gone to heaven!!

I'll be sure to update on how this awesome timeline pans out and I'll post some pictures of the meals I eat.  Here's the first one from Day 1: breakfast after CrossFit, so I added a banana for a little help recovering.  Of course, I had a big cup of black coffee on the side :)  I just keep thinking..less than 30 days; I can do anything for 30 days!

5 eggs and banana

Hi My Name is Mo and I have a PB Addiction...

This is a safe zone.  Admit it, you have one too...or at least to something.  There's a food you reach for when you have a craving or just a plain bad day.  Mine isn't ice cream, Cheetos, or a bag of greasy chips.  It's a nice juicy peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  I don't know what's in between those two pieces of soft, delicate bread that makes my world feel safe again.  Maybe there's some psychological connection between them and my childhood, so I feel like I have no responsibilities and I feel innocent again.  Or more likely....they just taste DAMN good..mmmmmm!

Now, every time I have a mood change or a bad day do I reach for the PB jar??  NO!!  A majority of the time I don't let my emotions dictate how I eat, but every once in a blue moon there's nothing a PB and Jelly won't fix.  Unfortunately, my goals to get stronger and a little leaner don't mix well with soft, delicate pieces of bread coated in peanut butter and sweet jelly.  I have made some adjustments, so that both sides of me can be happy.  Instead of bread, I use one small low-carb, high fiber multi grain tortilla.  Then instead of creamy peanut butter, I use PB2.  It's a dry powder...all it is is crushed peanuts.  I mix 1 part water with 2 parts PB2..much healthier.  Then instead of sweet, sugary jelly I use a organic jelly that is crushed or mashed fruit.  Right now in my fridge is blueberry, so all it is is mashed up blueberries...YUM!  I put a THIN coat of PB2 and jelly on the tortilla, heat it in the microwave, and roll it up.  DELICIOUS!!

What point am I trying to make with this post?  (Well nothing really, but if I must) I just want you to realize that you don't have to give up your favorite foods when you have a health goal in mind.  When you cut out certain food groups or deprive yourself from the foods you love, you'll most likely get discouraged, and give up.  Instead, make modifications to your favorite recipes.  If you love fried chicken..why not try crushing almonds and covering the chicken in almonds and cooking it like that.  You still get your crunchy chicken, but it's almonds..NOT fried fat.  If you love salt and sweet..try a small 100 calorie of popcorn and put a couple pieces of dark chocolate in it.

This also brings up the next box in my TO DO list.  I want to make a recipe for a protein bar or granola.  I LOVE protein bars and granola, but unfortunately most bars and granola you buy at the store are full of additives and sugar or fake sugars.  I also want to make it gluten free because I noticed I tend to do A LOT better when I use less gluten in my diet.  If there's anything you LOVE in your granola or protein bars..let me know!  I'll keep you updated on how the science project goes :)

Gotta Tri

Today I survived AND LOVED my first triathlon in my hometown.  It was an amazing experience that I won't forget and plan to go back for more!  It was not only a very well run race, but everyone was so positive and we were all cheering each other on, especially during the bike ride.

The race started pretty much the day before.  I had to attend a race briefing to learn about the course and rules since it was a USAT sanctioned race with USAT officials attending.  I also had to set up my bike in the transition area before I could go home to relax.

After relaxing and icing sore muscles I decided to try and catch some sleep (it wasn't very successful).  I was up again at about 3:30am because I had to be at the race course at 5am to get chipped and marked up and to finish setting up my transition area before the area closed at 5:45am.  The transition area I keep referring to is pictured above.  It is the area that is blocked off from spectators and it is where the athletes keep all their gear for each of the legs of the race (bike, helmet, towel, bike shorts, run top/shorts, shoes, etc.).  Here's some pictures pre-race!!

Transition all set

The lake right before we got in..a lot prettier than it was when we got in!

Getting body marked

Me right before the swim

Then we lined up at 6am (yes, it was still dark) at the edge of the water according to our swim caps.  I had a pink swim cap since I was in the women's sprint division.  After waiting about 15mins and trying to keep myself warm because it was finally a little chilly in the morning. We walked down the ramp into the water (which was 80 degrees, so it felt like a hot tub!) and took off!  I had practiced in a pool since January, but unfortunately never got the chance to open water swim.  It was eye opening!!  Water constantly in your mouth, having to avoid people's flailing feet, and getting used to not being able to see anything whenever I put my face under the water.  I had practiced a freestyle stroke and also practiced a little side stroke and breath stroke in case I got super tired.  Well after about 5 feet I took to the breath stroke.  It was much harder, but it kept me calmer because during the freestyle I kept running into people and was panicking every time my mouth because filled with nasty lake water.  I tried to keep my mind off the fact that I had .5 swim in front of me, so I just counted strokes.  I would do 10 breath, 10 left side, 10 right side, and it actually went pretty smooth and quick from there.  It took me about 25min to get through the water.  

Next, I ran out of the water and back into the transition area to get ready for my 12.4 mile bike ride.  It was going to be hilly, but they got the course closed (the streets were not open to drivers).  It was a rough route with all the hills, but I am so glad I had been training on the hills around my house because, man did that pay off today!  I was on my little Walmart mountain bike, but I could tell how much stronger I had gotten because I would fly by other people on mountain bikes, especially on the hills. 

Transition #1: swim to bike

Hoping on my bike!

After getting back from the bike ride; I hopped off and ran through the transition and off to my last leg (and what I was most looking forward to), the run.  It was just a 5K, but it was on an unpaved trail, which was great for my knees, but was a little rough on my ankles since I haven't gotten to train on unpaved trails in a while.  It was awesome though and my favorite part!!

Transition #2: bike to run

FINISH

Overall, it took me 1:57:32..I'm not sure if that is good or not, but I'm just so excited I finished!!  I was even more excited that I didn't need help from any of the staff in kayaks during the swim..I did it all by myself :)  

Days like these (where I push myself to limits I didn't think I could pass) make all those months and bad days of training worth it.  It was worth all soreness, training injuries, EVERYTHING.  Will I be signing up for another...you bet!!  Unfortunately, it probably won't be until next spring because the season is winding down since it gets harder due to water temperatures.  

I don't have any races on my calendar for the rest of this year (crazy to think that since I haven't had a time of year I haven't been training since my freshman year of college..maybe??) so I am going to focus on my strength and speed.  I want to be conditioned enough to be able to run a 10K whenever I want, so I will keep at least one longer run a week.  I will also keep up with the running and swimming because the cross training has kept me injury free better than anything else.  I'm also going to work extra hard at CrossFit.  I am LOVING that as well.  I love the feeling of getting stronger!!  

Since my workouts will not be so cardio focused my nutrition will also be adjusted.  I'll move to more protein and fat and less carbs.  I'll keep updates on how that is going, but now I will finish and leave with some finishing pictures!!

My best cheerleader!   She comes to all my races.

The night before the race: apparently they didn't get that we were trying to relax!